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Large animal care bills being considered in MO

The Missouri House will consider at least two bills to address large animal care in the new legislative session. Representative Kent Haden wants to reduce the shortage of rural veterinarians and has filed a bill that updates the animal vet student loan forgiveness program.

“What we’re asking for is to go from 6 to 12 positions per year. We’re asking to go from $20,000 for reimbursement to $30,000. The costs of education are going up and this seems like a more appropriate number.”

State Representative Rudy Veit has a bill that would no longer require veterinarians to supervise animal chiropractors.

“Not to replace veterinarians, but to provide another service people want. There are people using chiropractic treatments in small animals, too. Statute says right now, if you want to do this, you need a veterinarian supervising this. There’s no logic behind it.”

Missouri’s legislative session started this week. Hearings reviewing these bills will begin after committees are named in the next week.